An Instant Pot is an electronic pressure cooker that is able to cook foods quickly—and once I started using one, I wondered how I ever lived without it. The only tricky thing is finding the best Instant Pot recipes that everyone in the family will eat. From kid-pleasing Instant Pot chicken recipes to the secret to perfect Instant Pot rice, I’ve tried them all, and rounded up the best of the best.

For those of us who don’t think about what to have for dinner until approximately melt-down-o’clock, this list of tried-and-true Instant Pot recipes will save dinnertime, one meal at a time! Don’t have an Instant Pot? Try our favorite easy one-pot meals. And whatever you make for dinner, save room for dessert.

Of the many tough things about 2020, one of the big ones for Southern California families was the loss of Disneyland. Last year kicked off with a major price hike that left SoCal residents scrambling to enjoy a few last weeks of locals only deals, before being cut short by the park's abrupt closure for COVID-19. The ten months since then have marked the longest some people have ever gone without visiting the Mouse House, and there is still no end in sight.

So what can we expect of Disney in 2021? Will we get to see the inside of Disneyland, and if so will it wipe out the college fund? Is it true that annual passes have been canceled? And will last summer's canceled Avengers Campus opening ever see the light of day? With so many unknowns in the year ahead, we thought hunting down a few of these answers might make the wait more bearable.

Sitting here on the 3756th day of March 2020—and the five billionth day of remote learning—it's comforting to know we are not alone. Parents around the country are dealing with the same issues. In fact, after watching the "Quarantine" episode of Little House on the Prairie (season 3, episode 13), I now know that our struggles have been shared, not only across the country but across the centuries. This show gets it spot on. Does homeschooling while baking endless loaves of bread sound familiar? At least, we don't have to wash our laundry in a bucket of boiling water! Check out these relatable moments and funny quarantine memes.

Lucky enough to have a potential Picasso on your hands? Perhaps a little Salvador Dalí in the making? There are few things quite as inspiring as discovering your child’s artistic soul, and thanks to these local arts and crafts studios, the current climate doesn't have to stifle creativity.

You can cultivate your child's artistic vision on Long Island at one of these art spots that offer drop-in classes, private play dates, virtual classes, and more creative fun. Long-term commitments are often unnecessary, so kids can pop in for arts and crafts fun and get those creative juices flowing.

Check out our Guide to Classes and Enrichment Opportunities for Long Island kids for more fun options.

Cold weather and the ongoing pandemic have created the perfect storm for parents and caregivers who wish kids had more opportunities to burn off some energy and hang out with their pals. Even if you've put together your own quaran-team—a small group or homeschool pod who agree to only socialize with each other to minimize the risk of exposure—you may be looking for new places to chill. Fortunately, play spaces throughout New Jersey cater to pods and offer reservations for private play in safe and sanitized environments.

If you're hoping to host a play date outside your home, the following play spaces are ready to accommodate your pod. Many facilities require that you sign waivers in advance, so visit the website and complete the forms before arrival.

Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.

Looking for something FREE to do to entertain the kids? If you live in the suburbs, go to your local library and check out passes for you and your family to visit a number of great nearby museums, zoos, and gardens.

Each library has different policies for passes so be sure to call or check in at your local branch before reserving. Given the current COVID-19 situation, some venues may not be open so it is important to check with your local branch for availability. The list below may contain museums that are currently closed or do not have passes to offer at this time. To search for the most accurate options and what's obtainable, use the keywords "Museum Pass" in your library's catalog search. 

You'll only be able to check out passes in your county and with your library card. In general, passes are reserved in advance and both picked up and returned to the original location. Passes must be returned when due to avoid a late fee. Some libraries have checkout restrictions based on the township in which you live. Scroll down to your county to see what great passes you can find.

This winter, especially, families are looking—desperately—for outings that are safe and fun. Boston's Esplanade Association has answered the call with an event that's those both things, as well as inspring and—wait for it—free. Conceived to "cut through the darkness of the winter months," Hatched: Breaking Through the Silence is a free nightly light and music show at the Hatch Shell outdoor ampitheater that runs from January 22nd to February 21st, 2021. Read on for the scoop on what this creative, first-time-ever Hatch Shell light show is all about and how and when to go experience it with your family. We're adding it to our list of best things to do with Boston kids this winter.

When the flakes fly, Long Islanders might long for a chance to break out their skis, and while you can find plenty of family-friendly downhill slopes nearby if you want to ski locally, cross-country skiing is your only bet. Luckily, there are several awesome cross-country skiing spots on Long Island offering terrific trails whether you're skiing with young kids or other beginners or have more experienced Nordic skiers in your crew. As a bonus, most of these spots also allow snowshoeing on their trails too.

Many of our local state parks, county parks, and golf courses open bright and early after a snowfall so cross-country skiers can hit the fresh powder. Just be sure to call in advance to make sure the venue is open, and there is enough snow for winter activities.

For more cold-weather fun, check out our Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Sports Guide.